This year marks 25 years since Rolex became the Exclusive Major Partner and Official Timepiece of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of motor sport's oldest and most prestigious endurance races. Since 2001, the partnership has celebrated the drivers, teams, and engineers who take on the twice-around-the-clock challenge at Circuit de la Sarthe in France, where success is measured not simply by speed, but by consistency, precision and resilience over 24 relentless hours.
START OF THE 94TH EDITION OF THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS
© Rolex/Andrew Baker
The significance of the race remains as strong as ever. For the 94th edition, 62 cars representing 14 manufacturers lined up at the Circuit de la Sarthe, each aiming to cover the greatest distance over 24 hours while navigating changing weather, evolving track conditions, and split-second decisions. Waiting for the overall winners was a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, presented to the drivers who conquered one of motor sport's ultimate tests.
Few understand the demands of Le Mans better than Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen. Widely known as "Mr Le Mans", the Danish racing legend holds the record with nine overall victories, including six consecutive wins between 2000 and 2005. Nearly three decades after making his debut, Kristensen continues to see the race evolve while remaining true to its enduring spirit.
Reflecting on his memorable victory in 2001, the same year Rolex became Official Timepiece of the race, Kristensen recalls: "I remember race control saying that they had never seen anything like it. The rain was so heavy at times and as there weren't really safety cars, we had to pace ourselves, which was really challenging particularly during the night. That victory took a lot of focus and attention on the smallest of details."
While technology, manufacturers, and regulations have changed over the years, the essence of Le Mans has remained remarkably constant.
ROLEX TESTIMONEE TOM KRISTENSEN
©Rolex/Andrew Baker
"There have been so many evolutions and revolutions at Le Mans; there has been fantastic triumphs and also tribulations, new technology and further development of machines. Rolex's constant endeavour for precision has only helped Le Mans desire to be better," says Kristensen.
His connection with Rolex extends beyond the victories themselves. The watches he received throughout his career continue to represent defining moments in his journey.
"My personal journey at Le Mans started in 1997 and I still remember winning my first Rolex and then later becoming a Rolex Testimonee, both occasions were truly special and meaningful to me. They are memories that I will have with me forever on my wrist. Every athlete fortunate to receive a Rolex following an achievement will cherish that moment."
(Related: A champion's new challenge in endurance racing)
TOYOTA RACING #7 DRIVERS LIFT THE WINNERS TROPHY AT THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2026
© Rolex/Adam Warner
For Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the organisation behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the enduring relationship between the race and Rolex reflects a shared commitment to excellence.
"Rolex's enduring presence alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans is far more than a partnership; it is a shared commitment to excellence, precision and the relentless pursuit of performance. The brand's values resonate deeply with endurance racing and reflect the very spirit of Le Mans – where tradition and innovation coexist."
He adds: "Le Mans is as much a race against the clock as it is against rivals. Time is the invisible competitor at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Victory is not defined solely by speed, but by consistency, reliability, and precision over 24 Hours. The brand's involvement highlights that every second matters, whether in strategy, pit stops, or performance. Over the years, Rolex's association has strengthened the importance of timing."
ROLEX TESTIMONEE NYCK DE VRIES HOLDING THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2026 TROPHY
© Rolex
This year's race also marked a defining milestone for Rolex Testimonee Nyck de Vries. Having just joined the Rolex family, the Dutch driver arrived at Le Mans determined to compete against one of the strongest Hypercar fields in recent memory.
"A lot of manufacturers have joined the grid, which is great for endurance racing and makes the competition incredibly strong. From a driver's and team's point of view, it's probably more competitive than ever. That makes it more challenging, but also more rewarding when you succeed."
Success arrived in spectacular fashion. Together with his #7 TOYOTA RACING teammates, de Vries produced one of the most remarkable drives in recent history, climbing from 14th on the grid to claim his maiden 24 Hours of Le Mans victory.
"It feels like the stars were aligned. I'm incredibly relieved and grateful for such an achievement. Le Mans chooses you. There were so many times during the race where we felt like we had no chance at all, we were just focused on collecting points for the FIA World Endurance Championship – it proves that you should never give up and always hang in there."
"Having joined the Rolex family of Testimonees at the beginning of the year, I feel even prouder now to have secured the crown and become a Le Mans winner, so I'm incredibly happy. I carry a real sense of honour to be able to contribute to Rolex's legacy and do something special for both myself and the brand."
Twenty-five years after first partnering the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex continues to celebrate the defining moments that shape endurance racing. As one generation of champions inspires the next, the partnership remains a fitting tribute to those whose greatest achievements are measured over time.
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